History

In 1976, a group of Kirby, Vermont ladies got together to
make a quilt commemorating the nation's Bicentennial. The
quilt was completed, the Bicentennial was celebrated and a
quilt group was born that is still going strong after 25 years.

One of the first ongoing projects taken on by the Kirby
Quilters was making a quilt for every new baby born in town.
This tradition continues, in addition, many newlyweds have
snuggled under their wedding quilts, while other couples
married for 50 years have celebrated the accomplishment of a
life spent together with theirs.

The number of members in Kirby Quilters has
fluctuated over the years, the current group numbers 15 who
range in age from 6 to 88. All share a love of family, friends,
making something extraordinarily beautiful out of small
things, and fabric, fabric, fabric!

It was inevitable that the group would have to share its
creations with the world, so in 1978-1979 the group began a
Christmas Craft Fair. First held in the Kirby Town Hall, the
group and other crafters outgrew space at the Darling Inn,
the Masonic Temple, the Lyndonville Armory and since the
early 90's has a "home" at Lyndon State College on the
Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Kirby Quilter's Christmas
Craft Fair now fills the colleges two gymnasiums with the best
of local crafts from over 125 crafters. Whether baked,
stitched, carved or nailed together, all crafts are lovingly
handmade with pride.

So a tradition that began with a celebration of our
nation continues. The group spans the mountain in Kirby,
keeping the neighbor in North and South. We share each
others joys and challenges and can scramble for a good cause
in a heartbeat. The skills handed down through generations
will continue to take shape in unique projects that celebrate
life and love.